3:1 Apparently the serpent was a very different creature than its cursed descendant we know today. Not only did the curse change its physical form, but its intelligence may have been highly diminished. The word “subtil” can be negatively used to express crafty or sly, or positively it means sensible and prudent. The serpent could have been a highly intelligent creature, cleverer than any other animal. 3:4 This is the first recorded lie in the Bible. It is in direct conflict with God’s statement (Gen.